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Water Quality Monitoring in the Potomac Estuary

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COG's Regional Water Quality Monitoring Workgroup coordinates with state and local governments, universities, and scientists from around the region to monitor and provide up-to-date information on algae blooms and many other issues that affect the quality of the Potomac River. Referenced below are links for current water quality monitoring programs in the Potomac Estuary, water quality sampling schedules, press releases and historical documents.

CURRENT MONITORING DATA
Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

District Department of Environment

Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory

George Mason University

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Potomac River at Chain Bridge

Press Releases and Advisories
COG Press Release - August 15, 2011
COG Press Release - September 15 , 2011
Rare Algae Found in Anacostia
Harmful Algal Blooms in Maryland
Harmful Algal Blooms in Virginia

2011 Sampling Schedules
MDDNR 2011 Sampling Schedule
DCDOE 2011 Sampling Schedule

Regional Climate Data
Departure from Normal - 7 Day - MARFC
National Weather Service Short Term Weather Forecast - Washington, DC

Potomac Forums
Potomac Estuary Model Forum - July 2011

HISTORICAL ALGAE BLOOM DATA

August 1983 Algae Bloom

In the summer of 1983, the tidal freshwater portion of the Potomac turned bright green in color due to a Microcystis bloom and covered 20 miles between Piscataway Creek, MD and Quantico, VA. Improvements in wastewater treatment since 1983 have lead to much better Potomac water quality and fewer significant blooms.

Historical Documents
1983 Algal Bloom Expert Panel report
Hydroqual modeling report

METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

777 North Capitol Street, NE • Suite 300 • Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.962.3200 • Fax: 202.962.3201